About Vanguard Economics

Vanguard Economics was founded in 2015 in Kigali as an advisory and research firm with the purpose to create a Rwanda based firm that delivers high-quality socio-economic and strategic research services tailored to the Rwandan/African context. Based on the notion that “social change is not a project that one group of people carries out for the benefit of another”, our main strategic goal is to build the next generation of Rwandan researchers in our areas of expertise. Our clients include Governments, private firms, multilateral institutions, foundations, and NGOs. Read more: Here

About Aflakiok 

Aflakiosk Ltd. (Vanguard Economics subsidiary company) is an ISO 17025 designated Laboratory dedicated to providing mobile, affordable, accessible, and rapid quality testing services. Committed to ensuring the safety and quality of food consumed by humans and livestock in East Africa, we offer voluntary quality testing services, facilitates market linkages through a digital platform, and conducts capacity building for grain smallholder farmers (cooperatives), traders, and processors. By empowering stakeholders to understand product quality and access premium markets, Aflakiosk plays a pivotal role in enhancing food safety and economic opportunities in the region. Read more: Here

About the Position

Aflakiosk is in search of an energetic and innovative Food Scientist (s) to join their team. In this role, you will oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of Aflakiosk laboratories across various locations and serving as the representative of Aflakiosk's work in your engagement with users.

About You

Are you passionate about leveraging your skills to drive positive change in the agricultural sector? Do you also fall under any of these categories; young (below the age of 35), woman, person with a disability? Are you comfortable working outside of Kigali? If this sounds like you, we've been on the lookout for someone just like you!

Key Responsibilities

As a Food Scientist your key responsibilities will include but not limited to:

• Overseeing and managing day-to-day laboratory activities to ensure adherence to quality standards and testing protocols.
• Optimizing the testing processes for accuracy, efficiency, and timely delivery of results.
• Conducting regular quality control assessments to maintain the integrity of testing
• Collaborating with the team to address and resolve operational challenges.
• Expanding the user base by promoting and facilitating the utilization of Aflakiosk services
• Cultivating a robust network by establishing and nurturing relationships with local actors and importers
• Identifying and establishing Aflakiosk locations at strategic grain and dairy trading centers
• Conducting daily operations, including testing Aflatoxin levels in maize, moisture content, pests, and other parameters essential for meeting Rwanda's Grade 1 standard
• Systematically collecting and reporting data from tests to a centralized database for further analysis
• Gathering insights and lessons from field experiences to enhance operational efficiency
• Providing regular updates and reports to the project manager
• Maintaining and managing all testing equipment stationed at Aflakiok facilities.
• Any other tasks may be assigned to you within this role

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Biotechnology, or any other related field. (mandatory)
• Proven experience in Food science, quality assurance, or a similar role within the agricultural industry.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to interpret data effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, facilitating collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in MS Office and other relevant software applications.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a passion for empowering marginalized communities.
• Fluent in Kinyarwanda and English

Preferred Candidates:

• Experience in conducting quality tests
• Experience working with smallholder farmers, agricultural cooperatives, or rural communities, traders, importers, and processors.
• Familiarity with local agricultural practices, market dynamics, and regulatory requirements.
• Living near Rusumo and Gatuna boarders or flexible to travel there frequently and/or other rural areas within Rwanda.
• Proficiency in Swahili and Luganda will be considered advantageous although not mandatory for this role

What We Offer

• Work with talented, diverse and motivated team members
• Be part of the team that is addressing Socio-economic gaps through our projects.
• We offer competitive salary based on the labour market and candidate's experience
• Capacity Building Opportunities

Offer details: This is short-term contract (with a possibility of an extension beyond December 31st, 2024)

How to Apply

Fill your information by clicking on the apply for this job link. Keep your Resume to a maximum of 2 pages and a 1-page cover letter, do not attach a photo on your resume. 

We seek to find Food Scientist (s) representing all communities across Rwanda, we strongly encourage women, youth, and people with disabilities to apply.

Important Dates

Submission Deadline: May 20th, 2024